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A boat safari along the Maadu river and its beautiful wetland eco system, intertwines itself amongst cinnamon estates, mangroves and marshlands which is also a preserved wild life sanctuary. The wetland is spread over 900 hectares of area with a total of 64 islands. Boat rides can be arranged with prior notice.
Nearby Aluthgama and Bentota are well known for a plethora of water sports which includes water skiing, jet skiing, mono skiing, wake boarding, banana boat rides, canoeing and wind surfing. Several training schools offer personal training as well.
Within the interiors of Balapitiya guests can visit cinnamon estates and experience the processing of top grade Cinnamon from peeling, drying and stacking.
A short ride from Balapitiya through lush green vegetation, the village of Meetiyadoga boasts of world renowned Moonstones. A guided tour in the mines is available taking guests through the various processes of digging, washing, cutting, polishing and creation of ornaments and jewelry.
Guests can opt for a cycling excursion discovering everything from idyllic beaches to picturesque paddy fields. The 125-year old Katukoliha Temple with its huge pagoda located at the highest point of elevation and the striking mural paintings inscribed on the walls of the Mullegoda Temple are a must see. For a splash of water guests can cycle by the turquoise waters of the Dedduwa Lake while taking in the beautiful Dutch architectural influence portrayed in many houses along the way.
AS with the Cycling Routes, Walking within the interiors of Balapitiya offer explorers a pleasant experience. Guests can observe the ancient architectural styles of Sri Lanka, listen to the lullabies of birds within the marshes or even feel the sand on your toes with an evening beach stroll with the sun setting in the horizon.
Developed by the brother of famed architect Geoffrey Bawa, Bevis Bawa’s creation is aesthetically laid out on five acres of land and is noted for its lush vegetation, wide range of tropical trees, plants and sculptures. The house once owned by Bawa and is now open to the public complete with its rich collection of artwork ranging from sculptures to a wonderful mural of Sri Lankan life in the style of Marc Chagall on display. Bevis Bawa passed away in 1992 but the Brief garden continues to be maintained in just the way it was envisioned to be, a true representation of all the energies that Bawa put into Brief.
The Kande Viharaya temple has a long history, dating back to 1734 and continues to this day to be an important link in the Buddhist cultural and religious activities of Sri Lanka.
The Lunuganga Estate was the country house of the renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. The estate had been used as a cinnamon estate during the Dutch era and then a rubber plantation under the British.
The turtle hatchery in Kosgoda is a haven for sea turtles and tortoises where eggs are gathered and preserved until they are hatched. The hatcheries pay fishermen for eggs that they collect at night along the long sandy beach. Observers can see all sizes of turtles in rehabilitation and hatchlings waiting to be released to the sea as well. In addition, Kosgoda is considered as a protected area for sea turtles.
Sri Lanka is one of the few places worldwide where the world’s largest species of mammals visit. Whales visit the coast of Galle between the months of November and April and can be spotted with a high degree of certainty if visitors are prepared to venture out in the wee hours of the morning.
Sea fishing in the waters of the Indian Ocean can be arranged for anglers through local boat hires. River fishing can also be arranged with prior notice.
Scuba Diving and snorkeling to explore the wrecks and reefs filled with aquatic life can be done in both Bentota, Beruwela, Hikkadauwa and beyond. There are many dive centers that offer their services.
The Ambalangoda Mask Museum is the only one of its kind in Sri Lanka with anthropological records on the history of mask making and the traditional performances for which masks are used in Sri Lanka. It exhibits a vibrant collection of masks rich with the local tradition, history and culture. Visitors can also observe the process of mask making along with its various primitive tools and mask shows featuring dances, drama and puppet performances.
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